The Dark Saga

Year: 1996
Label: Century Media

Iced Earth continues to mature and evolve with their fourth release. “The Dark Saga” is a concept album based on the popular Spawn comic book series. It tells the story of a man who sells his soul in order to return to his true love on Earth. But he soon discovers that she is married to his own best friend. He is left completely alone in the world, and although he has good inside, he is influenced by dark forces. Everything that he desires is denied, even his own death. Fans of earlier Iced Earth albums might notice the change in the musical style to fit with this dark love story. The focus is less on technical musicianship (although the playing is still as impeccable as ever), and more on creating a complete story through sound and words. Thus, the music is generally more dark, emotional, melodic, and simple than other Iced Earth albums. This is not to say that the songs are uninteresting; to the contrary, some of the most amazing Iced Earth songs appear on this album. The crushing heaviness and power remains, but it is entwined with beauty and grace, creating Iced Earth’s most thoughtful and emotional work to date.

Tracklisting:

Dark Saga [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

I Died for You [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

Violate [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

The Hunter [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

The Last Laugh [Music: Schaffer/Shawver. Lyrics: Schaffer]

Depths of Hell [Music: Schaffer/Shawver., Lyrics: Simmons]

Vengeance is Mine [Music: Schaffer/Shawver. Lyrics: Barlow]

The Suffering Scarred [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

Slave to the Dark [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

A Question of Heaven [Music/Lyrics: Schaffer]

Lineup:

Jon Schaffer | Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

Matthew Barlow | Lead Vocals

Randall Shawver | Lead Guitar

Dave Abell | Bass Guitar

Mark Prator | Drums

Additional Information:

Recorded at Morrisound Studios, Tampa, Florida (January – February 1996).
Produced by Jim Morris and Jon Schaffer.
Engineered by Jim Morris.
Mastered by Audio 11.

Artwork by Todd McFarlane. Iced Earth logo designed by Jon Schaffer.

Additional information on this release including guest musicians can be found in the jackets and sleeves accompanying the officially released CD/vinyl copies.